As with so many subdisciplines within the field of biology, microbiology
is too broad a topic to cover completely and in depth in a single semester.
Also, as is true for all subdisciplines of biology, 'microbiology' means different thinbgs to different people. To the physician, microbes may be disease-causing orgnaisms. To the chemical engineer, microbes may be organisms used to clean up oil spills. Top the cell biologist, microbes may be wonderful tools for understanding how our cells function. To the brewer, microbes may be the most important component of a good pint of beer.

During this course, we will focus on microbiology within a medical context. We will gain a general understanding of prokaryotes and viruses. We also will learn how these agents cause disease in humans and about our immune response to foreign invaders. Additionally, we w ill cover three special topics: treatment of infectious diseases in resource-limited settings, emerging infectious diseases ands global public health, and, in the laboratory portion of the course, microbiology education at the elementary school level.

Grades, as outlined below, will be based on one review, five papers, two oral
presentations, class discussions, and a final exam. I do not take attendance
in lecture. Attendance during scheduled lab sessions, however, is mandatory.

Davidson Elementary presentationDavidson Elementary final reports due
Laboratory clean up

Lab handouts will be posted on the Web throughout the course of the
semester. Please read the appropriate handouts before the lab period.
Many of the protocols will require you to be in the laboratory outside
of the normally scheduled sessions.